IRP Appendix E - High Rise Fires PDF

Appendix E- High Rise Fires July 1, 2017 Same compartment as in the structure fire appendix but is harder to reach with more occupants in danger Rapid smoke spread is likely, even with fire suppression systems, many open doors make controlling smoke difficult, positive pressure fans will b...

Appendix E- High Rise Fires July 1, 2017 Same compartment as in the structure fire appendix but is harder to reach with more occupants in danger Rapid smoke spread is likely, even with fire suppression systems, many open doors make controlling smoke difficult, positive pressure fans will be used in the stairwells to create a higher pressure area limiting smoke migration into the compartment Stair wells are considered a building within a building and an area of refuge for occupants and is not the primary option for smoke removal High Rise- buildings above 5 stories or 75’ above the lowest fire department vehicle access Smoke Control Pressurize stairwells to limit the travel of smoke and toxic gases because not every doorway is able to be controlled Ventilating smoke is not a primary option 1st Truck place fan at the base of the attack stairwell Use electric fans when possible, gas maybe used Above 9th place fans 2 floors below and at the base 3rd truck ensures 1. all stairwells are pressurized 2. designate ventilation stairwell- check ventilation stairwell for occupants prior to using it 3. manage all additional smoke control and ventilation Unknown Fire Location 1. No elevators 2. Work from entry level upward, checking each level until source is located Lowest Level Check 1. 3rd Due Engine - regardless of fire location 2. Focus on Continuous Vertical openings - trash cutes, elevator shafts 3. Once complete report to immediate supervisor and go to floor above the fire Wind Effects- “Wind Driven Fire” a) Flame or smoke pulsing in and out of window opening b) High pressure against doors when opening  c) Smoke pushing around the doors d) Flame travel into the corridor Notify IC via chain of command Forbidden to open apartment doors to corridor or corridor door to stairwell with known wind driven fires Stairwell Operations 1. Maintain Attack stairwell Integrity, pressurize if possible before the fire attack, keep door tight to line 2. Don SCBA with regulator ready before opening door 3. Be alert for signs of a wind driven fire 4. Wind Driven Evident, Halt attack, notify command and attack from different. Vantage point 5. Corridor clear of smoke A. Search adjacent apartment B. Corridor free of occupants C. All hallway doors are closed Designation of the Stairwell 1. 1st Due Engine Designate Attack Stairwell 2. 3rd Due Truck- Ventilation stairwell- check for occupants Elevator Use Must not use if: smoke, heat or fire is detected in shaft, hoist way or elevator room hoist way heat/smoke detector activated firemen’s service unavailable or not working incident below the fifth floor no civilians on elevators during fire or potential fire conditions not used in independent service under fire conditions Before Entering: check hoist way for smoke or fire note location of the nearest stairwell emergency stop switch PPE, SCBA- cylinder on, face piece on and regulator in hand Room in elevator car for personnel to attach regulators Use Stop elevator halfway to check firemen’s service function Car fails to stop at midway point connect regulator Return Place keys in center of the elevator Send elevator back to lobby Attack line Smoke or fire present advance a charged hose line, must bring at least 200’, 2nd Engine assist 1st stretch and prepare to extend line Lobby Control- possibly a CCO, conduct a needs assessment Occupants at lobby level, control elevators; control room and additional info the IC may need (handicap, floor/evac. Plans, # BLD engineers, master keys and location of mechanical rooms Post Knock Down Ventilation- after fire is knocked Hydraulic If hydraulic isn’t working use fans into the adjacent apartment Exterior Streams- used to cool interior compartments Initial Aerial- occupant rescue and fire fighter egress Must not delay primary water supply Must not delay FD connections